The college football bowl games this weekend delivered everything we love about this time of year—thrilling performances, unforgettable moments, and the promise of brighter days ahead for each team. Let’s revisit the action, with a hopeful eye toward what these programs can build upon for the future.
December 26, 2024
- 68 Ventures Bowl: Arkansas State’s 38-31 victory over Bowling Green was a testament to resilience. Quarterback J.T. Shrout’s 275 yards and three touchdowns showcased his leadership, while Brian Snead’s 120 rushing yards provided balance. Bowling Green’s late rally, led by Camden Orth’s 310 passing yards and two touchdowns, fell short, but the team’s grit hints at a promising future. Both programs proved they have the talent to compete and the heart to make noise next season.
- Rate Bowl: Kansas State and Rutgers gave fans a thriller, with the Wildcats pulling off a 44-41 win. Will Howard’s 340 passing yards and Deuce Vaughn’s 150 on the ground showed K-State’s offensive firepower. Rutgers, led by Gavin Wimsatt’s 295 yards and three touchdowns, refused to back down. For the Scarlet Knights, this game demonstrated that their rebuild is on the right track, while Kansas State has the tools to continue contending for Big 12 titles.
December 27, 2024
- Birmingham Bowl: Vanderbilt’s 35-27 win over Georgia Tech highlighted the Commodores’ upward trajectory under quarterback Ken Seals, who threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Re’Mahn Davis’s consistency on the ground was another bright spot. Georgia Tech, with Jeff Sims throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns, displayed flashes of brilliance. Both teams have pieces to build around as they chase bowl glory again next year.
- Holiday Bowl: Syracuse exploded past Washington State with a 52-35 win, fueled by Kyle McCord’s record-breaking 453 yards and five touchdowns. LeQuint Allen’s dynamic season culminated in another dominant performance. Washington State’s offense showed potential, but Syracuse’s balanced attack gave the Orange their first 10-win season since 2018. Both teams can look forward to exciting futures with rising talent and dynamic playmakers.
December 28, 2024
- New Mexico Bowl: TCU’s 34-3 dismantling of Louisiana was a defensive masterclass. Chandler Morris led the offense efficiently with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Kendre Miller added a touchdown on the ground. Louisiana’s struggles revealed areas for growth, but the Ragin’ Cajuns have a strong foundation to bounce back next season. For TCU, this performance cements them as a team to watch in 2025.
- Pop-Tarts Bowl: In one of the wildest games of the week, Iowa State edged Miami 42-41. Rocco Becht’s MVP-worthy performance was the highlight for the Cyclones, while Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke lit up the stat sheet with 400 yards and four touchdowns. Despite Miami’s internal challenges, their talent is undeniable. Both teams showed they have the potential to elevate their programs into national contention.
- Alamo Bowl: BYU’s 36-14 victory over Colorado was a clinic in efficiency. Kedon Slovis passed for 310 yards and three touchdowns, and Christopher Brooks added 105 rushing yards. Colorado struggled but gained valuable experience under the national spotlight. With both teams heading in positive directions, this could mark a turning point for sustained success.
- Military Bowl: East Carolina held off NC State 26-21 in a hard-fought battle. Holton Ahlers led ECU with 275 passing yards and two touchdowns, while their defense stepped up when it mattered most. NC State’s Devin Leary showed promise with two touchdown passes, but late-game struggles proved costly. Both programs have plenty to look forward to as they continue developing their rosters.
Looking Ahead
This bowl season reminded us of the joy, unpredictability, and sheer excitement that college football brings. Each game was a stepping stone, with teams discovering stars, identifying areas for growth, and giving fans reasons to believe in a brighter future. Here’s to what lies ahead in 2025—more thrilling matchups, rising talents, and dreams of bigger trophies!